April is Litter enforcement month in PWC |

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PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VIRGINIA . . . Did you know that dumping trash, companion animals and other stuff on a public roadway is a crime? Or that pitching lighted matches, cigarettes, cigars, etc., from your vehicle can result in a ticket? Did you know that it’s against the law to drive trucks and other vehicles that let contents drop, sift, leak or otherwise escape from them? These and many other litter and illegal dumping laws will be enforced throughout this month as Prince William County Police join law enforcement agencies throughout the metropolitan Washington region in observing Litter and Illegal Dumping Enforcement Month. This campaign is part of an effort to raise awareness of litter, illegal dumping and related crimes, as well as reduce litter by strictly enforcing existing laws.Officers will concentrate on litter laws, illegal dumping and unsecured truck load laws throughout the County. Throughout the month, police will issue citations and make arrests of individuals caught in the act of violating these laws. Area residents can do their part to discourage the careless discarding of trash from vehicles by monitoring their actions and those of their passengers. Residents can also call the Police non-emergency number, 703-792-6500, to report trucks with unsecured or uncovered loads, instances of illegal dumping of trash, or other violations of the litter laws. Litter Enforcement Month is part of the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s “Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative” to support local law enforcement officers as they dedicate the month of April to vigorously enforce litter laws. COG’s Police Chiefs’ Committee is a partner with the Foundation to try and reduce litter and change behavior in communities across the region. Littering and illegal dumping negatively affect our neighborhoods and the Potomac River. Further, litter that surrounds homes and businesses affect feelings of well-being, recreation and tourism in the County, and studies show that there is a strong correlation between large amounts of litter and increased crime. All residents of Prince William County, and all business owners/managers, are asked to Take Control! Take Care of Your Trash! To let us know about your community clean-up plans, please send an email to: crimeprevention@pwcgov.org.